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Party Earth Review
Set atop the city’s elegant W Hotel, P.O.V. Roof Terrace and Lounge delivers exactly what its name promises – an expansive panorama that encompasses several of D.C.’s most beautiful monuments. Occupying...
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Party Earth
P.O.V. Roof Terrace and Lounge
Review

The Scene

Set atop the city&#x27;s elegant W Hotel, P.O.V. Roof Terrace and Lounge delivers exactly what its name promises – an expansive panorama that encompasses several of DC&#x27;s most beautiful monuments.

DOWNTOWN WASHINGTON, DC –

Set atop the city’s elegant W Hotel, P.O.V. Roof Terrace and Lounge delivers exactly what its name promises – an expansive panorama that encompasses several of D.C.’s most beautiful monuments. Occupying two distinct spaces on the hotel’s top floor, the venue attracts a wide range of political elites, professionals from nearby offices, and camera-toting tourists.

Accessed via a single elevator in the lobby, patrons looking for a subdued vibe can make their way to the open-air Terrace, whose bar and bank of red velvet banquettes provide space for relaxed conversation even on the most crowded nights.

The decibel level picks up inside the Lounge, however, where a rotation of DJs and occasional live music acts keeps the place lively Thursdays through Saturdays. While some of the designer-clad crowd might break out into bouts of energetic dancing, most patrons are content to simply relax on the dozen plush couches and high-backed chairs clustered around the thirty-foot window on the back wall.

First-timers edge closer to the rear of the Lounge to gawk at the glowing skyline and soaring Washington Monument, while fashionistas recline against the white stone bar at the front to mingle and sample a few high-end cocktails.

Happening both day and night, P.O.V. Roof Terrace and Lounge is perfect for designer drinks, designer dresses, and designer views.

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Tip from Adriana:

The bartenders take customization to the extreme – every cocktail has ice sculpted specifically for that drink. Even better? If you ask nicely, they’ll sculpt your ice cubes into just about any shape you want.

Crowd

Fashionable young professionals, political types, savvy tourists, and hotel guests, 20s to 40s.

Entertainment / Music

Occasional live music, various DJs on Thursdays and Saturdays. Otherwise, ambient mellow house music.

P.O.V. Roof Terrace and Lounge
User Reviews

I've been to POV a few times throughout the day. Sure it has great views of DC, especially at night however I have to ding this place for lacking personality. If feels almost like a business holiday party whenever I go here - theres a few older people awkwardly dancing and theres groups of people all kind of staring at each other looking somewhat bored. Being on top of he W Hotel theres definitely an element of luxury which I appreciate here but I wouldn't recommend staying here long. They do serve good drinks and you can meet some interesting people staying at the hotel as I've run into celebrities here staying in town.

Every time I visit DC, I always make sure to stop by the Lounge at the W Hotel. Because of laws and acts passed in DC in the early 1900s, there are a lot of restrictions as to how high a building can be built. Because of this, any rooftop access in DC is sure to provide stunning views of the city, and the Lounge at the W Hotel is no exception. Try to get to the Lounge by sunset for an amazing picturesque view of the DC skyline as well as Washington Monument. Although the drinks are a bit pricy, this is the perfect place to go for a cocktail or martini before hitting the town. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing, as there is a somewhat strict dress code. But the dress code only helps to add to the classy ambiance of the W Hotel; plus who doesn't like dressing up?

Whenever I am in a city with a W Hotel, I always try to get to one of their F&amp;B outlets. They always have a really posh space and it is worth it just for the experience, although I usually only stay for one drink (its pretty expensive!). It is really fun to get dressed up and go to W Hotel Bars and POV Lounge is no exception. The space is beautiful and the views are like no other place in DC. I am all for being casual, but I love a bar that will literally not let you in unless you are dressed appropriately (i.e. no flip flops or workout clothes - you can still wear jeans but you'll probably feel underdressed). Nothing encompasses the swanky D.C. world like POV. It might sound strange because of the modern decor, but I almost feel like i'm in an episode of Mad Men when I go there.